Marquetta Senters and Nina Swanson both worked at the Old Creamery back in the theatre's early years. They have never been on stage together .... until now!

Our interview with Marquetta Senters

What is your name?Marquetta Senters

How long have you been working at the Old Creamery Theatre?I have an association with the theatre since it was in Garrison. I first came as an intern in 1978 and never looked back. I consider my first 6 years as a company member, my undergraduate program in theatre.

What was it like to work at the Old Creamery Theatre in the past?Like most experiences, we had very little and made due with our imaginations and very talented artists. I relate to the current folks who live in company housing and the School Tour, which I did for 5 years. Experiences are remarkably the same, the mode of transportation, or the physical buildings change. I toured in a blue box truck with no heat. I lived in the old and beautiful (at one time) elementary school in Garrison...which had a turret. I remember looking up to my fellow artists, Rita Berendes for example, a founding member. She was one of the lead actresses and SO very good at her craft. She played the strong female roles, that I am now... seasoned enough... to try and take on... like Sonia in VSMS. My sincere hope is, that as I learned from those artists through example, that now in some very small way I am teaching through my example to the young artists that come through our doors.

What is it like to work at the Old Creamery Theatre in the present?It really is like playing the same game but with new toys. Computers have taken over the lights, the sound...hopefully we are far from hologram-actors! The same challenges exist, raising money and how to tell the best stories, in the best way. Those don't change no matter where you are located. I do remember running sound for Death of a Salesman on a reel- to- reel recorder and having to repair the tape many times when it became brittle...google reel- to- reel...they have pictures.

What are some of the key differences between the Old Creamery Theatre now and then?I would say separation. In Garrison we all lived in Garrison and you could walk to work. Here folks come to work from Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and all points in between. We would have daily company meetings which was a great time to cover what was happening that day ,up coming events and for most of us to enjoy a Dots Delight. Dot was a dear woman who lived across from where our rehearsal space and costume shop were. She would bake us treats and you would donate the 25-50 cents and have a piece of spice cake or chocolate brownies. Many mornings those delights served as our breakfast....ah yes.

What do you like about the Theatre’s location in Amana, Iowa?First it is so very lovely nestled by Price Creek, and the Iowa river I can see why the first Amana settlers chose to live here. The Lily Pond serves as a great way to exercise both body and mind.....learning lines. That is what I am doing...I don't usually talk to myself. The relationship between the theatre and the Colonies, the businesses and the mutual support. In Garrison, the theatre was not immediately embraced by the community, it later was, when they saw that although we may have worked odd hours,we worked very hard, not only on our product, but on the theatre's physical structure and the outreach to the community. Hopefully we have been good neighbors here as well. Our Studio Stage in the Middle Amana school building is such a wonderful addition for us and it is an ongoing community collaboration.

What has been your favorite character role of all time at the Old Creamery theatre and why is it your favorite?

If I had children.... which child would you say you liked best... CANNOT be done. Each role is special because of when in my life I was able to do it, the impact it had on me personally or the challenge it posed for me as an actor. Sonia in VSMS...I really love this woman. She goes through a wonderful metamorphosis and I hope I can bring that at least partially to life. Martha from Virginia Woolf...there is no bigger acting challenge for an actress in American Theatre and to be able to dip my toe in that deep end of the acting pool was scary and exhilarating. Louise, from Patsy Cline, a challenge to repeat a performance so many times and keep it fresh and new for each audience. And what an honor to listen to Molly Hammer channel Patsy through her remarkable voice. Favorites from "the old days".....Rhetta from Pump Boys, Emma from Tintypes,Jesus Christ Superstar...was quite an undertaking, scaffolding as our set, huge speakers for the fully orchestrated tracks and the multimedia of video and slides...our own rock concert OCTC Garrison style.

What is it like to return to the stage with Nina Swanson after so many years?To be honest I don't think Nina and I were onstage together. Back in the day we had a large core company and basically you would either be in the silly company and do musicals and the farces. Or the serious company and work on our then Studio Stage, the Brenton BlackBox... It will come as a surprise to few that I was in the silly company. So our paths didn't cross but for the social aspects of the theatre.

How do you feel about Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike being the show you two are returning together to act in?I love it. It was a stroke of genius to have her cast as Masha, as audiences will see. Personally know when I talk about the "old days" there is actually someone else in the room who can elaborate with here own memories!

What is something from the past you wish the Old Creamery Theatre still had?DOTS DELIGHTS!

Our Interview with Nina Swanson

What is your name? Nina Swanson

How long have you been working at the Old Creamery Theatre?Currently, 3 weeks. In total, probably around 2 years.

What was it like to work at the Old Creamery Theatre in the past? I worked as an intern my first year out of college, in the late 1970s when the theatre was in Garrison. All the interns lived together in the old school building in Garrison and we had a blast. It was hard work – Tom Johnson and his wife Judy ran the whole shebang. We all got up way too early each morning and did morning calisthenics! I remember running miles on the gravel roads. I think they were trying to discourage our partying. Then we would have a company meeting and work all morning, walk to lunch at the only bar in town, work all afternoon, go back to the school for dinner of usually peanut butter and jelly, back to work for the evening, party til the wee hours and collapse. It was repertory theatre in the summer, and then we developed the children's show and toured throughout the Midwest all winter in an unheated bus! I think I packed more living into that year than any since. I returned to the Old Creamery for three more seasons sprinkled throughout the years. It was sad when they had to close down the old building in Garrison. So much sweat and tears and love were poured into that space. Very good memories.

What is it like to work at the Old Creamery Theatre in the present?I am really enjoying this experience. The other actors, the support people, and Tim Butterfield the director are so talented and everyone is kind, dedicated, and very professional. The joy of "putting on a show" is still there. The intimate atmosphere in the studio is a challenge because the audience is so close, but that also makes it a more intense experience for everyone.

What are some of the key differences between the Old Creamery Theatre now and then?Obviously the location is a big difference. The advantages of being in the Amanas, a tourist destination, are many.

What do you like about the Theatre¹s location in Amana, Iowa?I like the old houses, shops and restaurants, the lotus lake, and the beautiful drive to get there.

What has been your favorite character role of all time at the Old Creamery theatre and why is it your favorite?I really love being "Masha" in the current production of "VSMS". If you can't be a movie star, the next best thing is pretending to be one!! I love being in a small cast and enjoy playing off the other characters. Doing a comedy is also a perk. It feels like a crazy, loving family.

What is it like to return to the stage with Marquetta Senters after so many years?Although we worked one season together, Marquetta and I never got to be onstage in the same play. I've always admired her work. I feel very privileged to be working with her now. It's an absolute treat!

How do you feel about Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike being the show you two are returning together to act in?The absurdities, the closeness, the friction, and the love between the siblings in this play are a joy to play. I am very grateful we both get to do this.

What is something from the past you wish the Old Creamery Theatre still had?Well, I did like the saltwater taffy we used to sell at intermission...